Eugene “Gene” Johnson

Obituary

Eugene “Gene” Clarence Johnson was born on December 11, 1925, in Havelock, Iowa. He was the son of John and Ella (Rouse) Johnson. Gene was baptized as an infant on April 18, 1926, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on June 13, 1943, both at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mallard, Iowa. He received his education in Havelock.

Gene entered active military service in the United States Army on November 20, 1944 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, and served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theatre. He received an Honorable Discharge on October 23, 1946, at Fort Sheridan, Illinois. He achieved the rank of Technician Fourth Grade.

On November 20, 1953, Gene was united in marriage to Christine Marie Caspers at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bird Island, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with seven children, Joel, Paul, Jonathan, Heidi, Gretchen, Sarah, and Kari. Gene and Chris resided in Hector and shared 67 years of marriage.

Gene was a farmer and farmed his land in rural Hector. He was also employed for many years as a USPS mailman, a field man for Green Giant, and various jobs within the community. Gene was a very active member in the American Legion Carl O. Potter Post 135. He was involved in his community volunteering for youth activities, participating in community theatre and supporting the local school districts events.

Gene had a very strong faith in his Savior Jesus Christ. He served Him faithfully at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hector in many leadership roles.

Gene enjoyed music, dancing, fishing, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was a man that would help anyone in need and also loved to joke.

When Gene needed assistance with his daily care, he became a resident at the Buffalo Lake Healthcare Center on July 28, 2015. He passed away there on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at the age of 95 years. Blessed be his memory.

Gene is survived by his:
Wife, Christine Johnson of Buffalo Lake, MN;
Children, Joel Johnson and his wife, Joyce, of New Ulm, MN,
                  Paul Johnson of Lake City, MN,   
                  Jonathan Johnson and his wife, Michelle, of New Ulm, MN,
                  Heidi Baumgardt of Hector, MN,
                  Gretchen Curtis and her husband, Jerry, of Britt, MN,     
                  Sarah Barfknecht and her husband, Alan, of Montrose, MN,
                  Kari Brueggemeier of Lester Prairie, MN;
Many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren;
Sister-In-Law, Jane Johnson of Tyler, TX;
Nieces, Nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Gene is preceded in death by his Parents, John and Ella Johnson; Brothers, Roland “Stub” Johnson and Garner Johnson; and Sister, Normadean Enright Smith.